Partner Introduction MSI
Interview Date: March 2018
MSI Corporation
Founded in 1992, "MSI Corporation" (hereafter referred to as MSI) is a leading FLEXSCHE partner in the Tohoku region, headquartered in Yamagata City, with branches in Miyagi, Fukushima, and Saitama. Since its founding, it has aimed to be a "solution company," providing IT solutions for various industries.
Originally, the company had clients rooted in local industries such as government offices and construction, but in 2003, it began focusing on the manufacturing industry to explore new fields and started handling FLEXSCHE. Since then, manufacturing has become a major pillar of MSI's business.
As of March 2018, MSI has achieved 36 companies and 42 licenses of FLEXSCHE implementation, continuing to provide valuable solutions to the manufacturing industry throughout the Tohoku region and overseas under its motto of "Customer First."
Representative Message
The corporate philosophy that we set at the time of our founding and still hold dear is "to aim to be a solution company that contributes to the development of the local community through the integration of computer, information communication networks, and OA equipment." We believe that it is necessary for everyone involved with our company to lead a rich and happy life, and we have aimed to enhance customer satisfaction and employee satisfaction. We want to continue to cherish this sentiment in the future. In the integration of FLEXSCHE, our company has achieved the best track record in Tohoku. FLEXSCHE is the core of our current manufacturing department. In the future, we will strive not only in Tohoku but also in Eastern Japan, the Tokyo metropolitan area, and the world.
MSI Corporation President
Masahiro Kaneko
Profiles
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- Kazuo Watanabe
Innovation Business Division Director
Born and residing in Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture
Joined the company in 1992 as one of the founding members from a predecessor company of MSI. Initially worked as an engineer but transitioned to a sales role to strengthen the company's sales capabilities. Hobbies include golf and visiting hot springs. He has a single-digit handicap in golf. -
- Kazunari Oba
Innovation Business Division System Group Manager
Born and residing in Kaminoyama City, Yamagata Prefecture
Switched careers from a computer-related company in 1992, the founding year of MSI. Engaged in system development as an engineer, but transitioned to the current position with the establishment of a department specializing in manufacturing. Arrives at the office by 5:30 AM every day to clean the office toilets.
Profiles
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- Tetsuro Sata
Innovation Business Division, Sales Group, Assistant Manager
Born in Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture, residing in Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture
Joined the company in 2005, starting in sales. Currently based in the Koriyama office in Fukushima Prefecture, covering the entire Fukushima area. Previously worked in sales for large commercial refrigerators.
Hobbies include snowboarding and playing in a band (bass player). -
- Tomoki Ono
Development Department, Development Section
Born and residing in Tendo City, Yamagata Prefecture
Joined the company as a new graduate in 2009 and became a salesperson. Although from a liberal arts background, he began studying systems after joining the company and now handles FLEXSCHE prototyping while in sales.
Responsible for the four prefectures of Tohoku: Yamagata, Miyagi, Iwate, and Akita.
Company Information
| Company Name | MSI Corporation |
|---|---|
| Location | 1-5-7 Matsue, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture |
| Number of Employees | 59 members (at the time of the interview) |
| URL | http://www.msi-net.co.jp |
Post-Interview Notes
Started the day with uncertainty as my boss missed the Shinkansen, leaving me to start alone... However, upon arriving at Yamagata Station, Mr. Watanabe greeted me with a smile, dispelling my interview anxieties.
Instead of heading straight to MSI's headquarters, Mr. Watanabe took me to a famous local soba restaurant. The dish, called "Itasoba," was very chewy and substantial. It was delicious! Just as we finished eating, my boss finally arrived, and we headed to MSI headquarters. The glass-walled building was clean and stylish both inside and out. It was clear that the employees take care of their office, as they always clean it themselves. Upon entering, everyone stood up to greet us. Being welcomed like this after coming from Tokyo made me feel refreshed.
During the interview, we heard about various company initiatives that couldn't fit into the article. I felt a strong sense of love for the company from everyone. It reaffirmed my belief that having affection for the company is essential for providing good service to users.
Although this was a day trip for the interview, I got some hot spring information from Mr. Watanabe and Mr. Oba, so I think a hot spring trip to Yamagata would be nice next time. Thank you very much for accommodating us despite your busy schedules!